Weaving Roots

A Gathering of Mercies, Book 1

De: Heather Wood

Narrado por: Leigh Foster

Baltimore, 1828. Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family’s weaving business keeps Betha’s hands occupied all day, but it’s the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her “Ma” to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether?

Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God’s Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy’s lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs. Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger? Weaving linen is her family’s legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling.

©2024 Heather Wood (P)2025 Heather Wood

Heart Warming Story Filled with Faith! Enjoyed!

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio book, “Weaving Roots” by Heather Wood. The narrator Leigh Foster had a pleasant voice and read the story well.

This is a Historical Christian Fiction book set in Baltimore in the 1820’s centered around the lives of Irish-American immigrants. We found out so many interesting facts about this time period. The story is centered around the Lancaster method of education at the Oliver Hibernian Free School which neither of us had ever heard of. You learn about the weaving of linen, the start of Sunday Schools, Guy Fawkes Day, men doing the grocery shopping, and don’t forget the new invention of the stove! The story is set in a real historical time with real events happening during that time. You can trust that it is historically correct because the author does extensive research while writing – even corresponding with the Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum in Northern Ireland on the weaving of linen. Be sure to listen to the author’s notes at the end.

Bertha, Henry, and Colm are the main fictional characters placed in this time period. They are very believable and relatable characters who face inward and outward struggles. The story contains trying to escape the past, illegitimacy, conflict with siblings, death, financial struggles, and struggles of conscience. It concerns matters of the heart, choices people make, and the consequences that follow.

Even though we loved learning about the history of the era and found ourselves connecting to the characters, what we loved most about the book is the truth and grace woven throughout it in a very natural conversational way. Bertha is very strong in her faith, and as she struggles through life’s challenges, she turns to God for guidance. She especially struggles with what is her part, and what is God’s part. She struggles with doubts, fears, and anger but her faith, trust, and godly character are very convicting. Colm struggles when his beliefs turn into convictions. Should he follow his convictions or the powers that be? Both Bertha and Colm have a great impact on Henry who is Bertha’s nephew that she is raising; he calls her “Ma.”

Just a note – This is the story of Henry Young’s early childhood. When he becomes a man, he marries and has five children. You can read about the Young siblings in Heather’s “Finding Home” series which is an excellent read. The first book in that series "Until We All Find Home" is how available on audio!

I received a free code for the audio version of this book, but I had already purchased the book because I enjoyed reading the “Finding Home” series.

The Faith

Heather Wood does journeys of faith so well. I love how realistic the struggles, doubts, and truth with grace all come together in stories that warm the heart and edify the soul of the reader. I especially enjoyed seeing the spiritual warfare surrounding education all those years ago and how it compares to our world today. Many things are different, but ultimately they’re the same. A reminder that there is nothing new under the sun…just like scripture tells us. The audio version of this book was fantastic.

Engaging, Historical Book

I loved listening to Weaving Roots. The story was realistic and I loved how the story followed characters through both hard life decisions and good times. I love reading books for fun but that also encourage my faith and challenge me. This book did that and I highly recommend.

Fantastic Christian Historical!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic Christian historical story! The premise and depth
contained flowed with Biblical truth and encouragement. Hearing the characters ‘working out’ their salvation with Jesus throughout life’s struggles was a blessing.